Track-by-Track: KillerStar Break Down the Songs on Their Album ‘The Afterglow’

KillerStar return with their second album, The Afterglow, on March 20th, 2026, following a self-titled debut that earned glowing reviews from across the press, alongside sold-out live shows in the UK and USA. Founded by Rob Fleming and James Sedge to channel their shared love of ’70s art-rock and modern alternative sounds, the band has also drawn an exceptional circle of collaborators into its orbit, including several renowned musicians associated with David Bowie. Written by Fleming with Sedge and produced by the duo alongside Dave Eringa, The Afterglow was recorded across London, New York and Los Angeles and brings together a collective of distinctive players who each leave a mark on the record.

Throughout the album, the band’s core lineup is joined by an impressive cast of contributors. Guitarist Earl Slick, pianist Mike Garson and bassist Mark Plati, all celebrated for their work with Bowie, feature prominently, while the Webb Sisters add soaring backing vocals that elevate many of the songs. Additional collaborators include Gerry Leonard, Alfio Annibali, Carey Frank, Dom Beken and Emm Gryner, helping shape a record that balances driving rock energy with textured arrangements and moments of atmospheric experimentation. The result is a set that highlights the interplay between powerful rhythm sections, melodic guitar work and expressive piano flourishes.

To explore the record in greater detail, the band have prepared a Track-by-Track guide to The Afterglow. In it, they discuss the inspiration behind each song, the musical ideas that shaped the arrangements and the themes running through the album. From high-tempo rock moments and glam-inflected grooves to expansive, atmospheric pieces, the guide offers insight into how the songs came together and the contributions that helped bring them to life.

1. “The Afterglow”

“The title track hits fast and hard, a high-tempo track with driving intensity. The song aims to invoke that euphoric glow/ feeling you get after watching a great live show or playing music onstage. We feel this is reflected in the energy of the song, where all musicians play as one, serving the song, which propels forward at a pace sprinkled with some earworm riffs. The bridge and chorus take a left turn with soaring vocal harmonies from the Webb Sisters, synths and gritty guitar melodies courtesy of Earl Slick. With Mike Garson punctuating the song throughout with his iconic piano melodies.”

2. “Proud”

“We get to flex our straight-ahead rock chops on this one. It’s powerful, driving and insistent. Special guest Alfio Annibalini provides symphonic synths that lift the song higher, and give it a distinctly commercial sheen. The bridge sections, though, take a darker twist. Rolling drum fills across the toms give the song an exciting ending as lead guitar melodies and harmony vocals soar right up to the fade. The song is about not being afraid to shy away from being passionate about something you care about, regardless of what may happen “You’re headstrong, but this might be your swansong”, “Be Proud, Say It Loud, Stand Out From The Crowd”.”

3. “So Easy”

“There’s a hint of 1970s Glam Rock with a catchy guitar riff played by Rob and Earl. The groove has a lazy swagger between James’ drums and Mark’s bass. Lead vocals and backing vocals constantly answer each other throughout; it’s a real sing-along song. Mike Garson takes the song somewhere unexpected with his second sublime piano solo. It opens up with a grand, almost romantic part that breaks away from the guitar riff.”

4. “Rubicon”

“Quite the epic, with detailed arrangements, a soaring chorus and ambient guitar sprinkles courtesy of Gerry Leonard, which gives way to an outro with Rob and Earl trading lead guitar solos over cascading drum fills from James. Lyrically, Rubicon uses the classic “Crossing the Rubicon” as a motif to illustrate the concept of individuals crossing the point of no return in day to day life.”

KillerStar ‘The Afterglow’

5. “There Has to be a Reason”

“The song is about how life can present unexpected twists and turns. We think we know what is coming up next, but then we have a jolt, a moment that reminds us we don’t know what will happen, as the lyric says, “We’re trying to see around corners, but we don’t know what may floor us”. We are “flying high” one day and “swooping low” the next. This is a unique haunting blend of slide guitar from Earl Slick mixed with Rob Fleming’s synths. It has a crunchy, driving rhythm section from James and Mark Plati. James plays a funky drum breakbeat for the middle section with Garson playing some sublime dissonant piano. The song builds through Rob’s vocals from quiet mystery and intrigue, though indignation and ultimately into anthemic, soaring choruses lifted by the harmony backing vocals of the Webb Sisters.”

6. “Straight Down The Line”

“Starts with a jagged, staccato rhythm played in unison for the verses. Mike Garson plays over the top with an unexpected Cuban feel; it works really well for the song. Earl Slick played a wild guitar solo in one take for the breakdown section.”

7. “You Do Me No Favours”

“A 60s psych pop vibe. This song was written after listening quite a bit to David Bowie’s Toy album, which revisits many of his deep cuts from early in his career. It has that flavour which is not too surprising given several members of the David Bowie band who recorded Toy are on this song and throughout the KillerStar album – Mike Garson, Earl Slick, Mark Plati. There is a bright, almost Byrds like jangle meets Johnny Marr sound to the guitars and a sing-along chorus. Guest musician Carey Frank (Bruce Springsteen, Tedeschi Trucks) underpins the song with Hammond Organ.”

8. “Invincible”

“Another epic song, this time in two contrasting parts. The song is about mortality and how our perspective on that evolves as we get older. We think we are invincible for a time when younger, then realize actually we are not. Despite that subject matter, the song has a summer’s day dreamlike feel. For the first part of the song, Mike Garson and Gerry Leonard have created a beautiful ambient intro that establishes a soft, spacious feel for the first part of the song. Acoustic guitar drives the verses with soft vocals, accompanied by dreamy backing vocals from the Webb Sisters. The second part of the song breaks down into some reverb-drenched drums and acoustic guitar pushes. The piano has more space for Mike Garson to play some of his trademark runs, as the song builds to a frenetic climax. The Webbs provide some spine-chilling vocals as the outro builds, both improvising by singing together through a Leslie Cabinet, evoking a ‘Great Gig In The Sky’ moment.”